Julio Voltio (also known simply as Voltio; born as Julio Irving Ramos Filomeno on June 11, 1977) is a Puerto Rican former rapper. An early pioneer of

reggaetón Reggaeton (, ) is a modern style of popular and electronic music that originated in Panama during the late 1980s, and which rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s through a plethora of Puerto Rican musicians. It has evolved fr ...

—a modern genre of

Latin music Latin music (Portuguese language, Portuguese and ) is a term used by the music industry as a catch-all category for various styles of music from Ibero-America, which encompasses Music of Latin America, Latin America, Music of Spain, Spain, Mu ...

originating primarily in Panamá and

Puerto Rico ; abbreviated PR), officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, is a Government of Puerto Rico, self-governing Caribbean Geography of Puerto Rico, archipelago and island organized as an Territories of the United States, unincorporated territo ...

, with sonic roots in Jamaican dancehall and American hip hop—Voltio officially retired from the music industry in 2014, having converted to

Evangelicalism Evangelicalism (), also called evangelical Christianity or evangelical Protestantism, is a worldwide, interdenominational movement within Protestantism, Protestant Christianity that emphasizes evangelism, or the preaching and spreading of th ...

. The name "Voltio"—meaning "(electrical)

volt The volt (symbol: V) is the unit of electric potential, Voltage#Galvani potential vs. electrochemical potential, electric potential difference (voltage), and electromotive force in the International System of Units, International System of Uni ...

"—came about after an incident, during his time as an

electrician An electrician is a tradesman, tradesperson specializing in electrical wiring of buildings, transmission lines, stationary machines, and related equipment. Electricians may be employed in the installation of new electrical components or the ...

, in which he inadvertently placed his hand in the wrong location and received an

electric shock An electrical injury (electric injury) or electrical shock (electric shock) is damage sustained to the skin or internal organs on direct contact with an electric current. The injury depends on the Current density, density of the current, tissu ...

. At that point, he began being referred to by friends as "Bombillo" ("light bulb") or "Corto-Circuito" ("short-circuit"), until eventually calling him "Voltio". The artists formerly known as Voltio now identifies as a

born-again Christian To be born again, or to experience the new birth, is a phrase, particularly in evangelical Christianity, that refers to a "spiritual rebirth", or a regeneration of the human spirit. In contrast to one's physical birth, being "born again" is d ...

, once stating in an interview: "…Yes, really I accepted Christ as my savior I really do ccept Christ,because sometimes you have a void in the hearts our heart and therefore need to search for Christ."

Music career

Growing up in the Parque Ecuestre Carolina, San Juan, Voltio entered the music business as a

teenager Adolescence () is a transitional stage of human physical and psychological development that generally occurs during the period from puberty to adulthood (typically corresponding to the age of majority). Adolescence is usually associated wi ...

. Together with Rey 29 and

Héctor el Father Héctor Luis Delgado Román (born September 4, 1979), also known by his stage name Héctor el Father, is a Puerto Rican rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer and pastor. He rose to fame as a member of the duo Héctor & Tito Los Bambinos. ...

, he formed The Masters of Funk. Although the trio released no official music, they were influential in starting the local, island reggaetón movement of the 1990s. Shortly after separating from The Masters of Funk, Voltio partnered with Karel, a neighborhood friend, forming the duo Karel y Voltio. They released their debut album ''Los Dueños del Estilo'' ("the owners of the style") in 2003. The album did not make a critical or commercial impact, however, and the duo's enthusiasm dwindled. Karel was last featured on ''La Mision 4'' (2004), a compilation album by

Luny Tunes Luny Tunes is an American reggaeton production duo consisting of Francisco Saldaña (Luny) and Víctor Cabrera (Tunes) who have been known for creating unique musical rhythms for some of the most popular reggaeton artists since the early 2000s ...

. Voltio was eventually signed under Raphael 'Raphy' Pina's label,

Pina Records Pina Records is a Puerto Rico-based record label founded by music producer Rafael "Raphy" Antonio Pina Nieves in 1996. Pina Records is one of the longest-running reggaetón record labels; in 2026, the label will celebrate its 30-year anniversary ...

; Pina subsequently stole money from Voltio, resulting in his departing from that label. Voltio then went into musical "battle-mode", releasing diss-tracks (or ''tiraeras'') against Pina Records and the label's signed artists, with songs such as "Bling Bling" and "Guasa Guasa", both duets with fellow Pina-affected artist Tego Calderón. With few options remaining, Voltio was preparing to exit the music business until Calderón, a primary artist with White Lion Records, convinced him to sign with the label. Having taken Tego's advice, Voltio released the album '' Voltage AC''c(2004), featuring the hits "Bumper", "No Amarres Fuego" (featuring

Zion & Lennox Zion & Lennox was a Puerto Rican music duo from Carolina, Puerto Rico. In 2004, Zion & Lennox released their first studio album titled '' Motivando a la Yal'' under White Lion Records. After their first album, Zion & Lennox decided to start thei ...

) and "Julito Maraña". Voltio also was featured on a remix of the song " Locked Up" by

Senegal Senegal, officially the Republic of Senegal, is the westernmost country in West Africa, situated on the Atlantic Ocean coastline. It borders Mauritania to Mauritania–Senegal border, the north, Mali to Mali–Senegal border, the east, Guinea t ...

-based singer

Akon Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam (born April 16, 1973), known mononymously as Akon (), is a Senegalese-United States, American singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer, businessman, and philanthropist. An influ ...

, released in the UK as part of ''Locked Up-Global Remixes''. Having experienced relative success, Voltio returned with his self-titled release in 2005, which included his biggest hit to date, "Chulín Culín Chunflai", which features Residente, and a remixed version with American hip hop group

Three 6 Mafia Three 6 Mafia is an American hip-hop group from Memphis, Tennessee, formed in 1991. Emerging as a horror-themed underground hip-hop group, they went on to enjoy mainstream success. The group's 1995 debut album ''Mystic Stylez'' became an influen ...

. In 2006, Voltio appeared on Frankie's 2006 remix of "Puerto Rico". Voltio teamed up with Calle 13 to speak-out against

police brutality Police brutality is the excessive and unwarranted use of force by law enforcement against an individual or Public order policing, a group. It is an extreme form of police misconduct and is a civil rights violation. Police brutality includes, b ...

in Puerto Rico. On August 11, 2008, he announced the publication of a documentary titled ''En vivo desde Oso Blanco''. The documentary covers the time that Voltio spent in prison and his release. Voltio was featured on the ''

Grand Theft Auto IV ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' is a 2008 action-adventure game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. It is the sixth main entry in the Grand Theft Auto, ''Grand Theft Auto'' series, following 2004's ''Grand Theft Auto: San And ...

'' soundtrack with his song "Pónmela", from the album ''En lo Claro'' (2007). He also collaborated with

Jowell & Randy Jowell & Randy are a Puerto Rican reggaeton duo composed of Joel Muñoz Martínez (born March 3, 1982) and Randy Ortiz Acevedo (born July 16, 1983). The duo have been active since the early-2000s and have become one of the most popular acts in r ...

on "Welcome To My Crib". ''En lo Claro'' experienced lukewarm success in-contrast to Voltio's first two albums, reaching No. 36 on the U.S. ''

Billboard A billboard (also called a hoarding in the UK and many other parts of the world) is a large outdoor advertising structure (a billing board), typically found in high-traffic areas such as alongside busy roads. Billboards present large advertis ...

Top Latin Albums Top Latin Albums (formerly Latin 50) is a record chart published by Billboard (magazine), ''Billboard'' magazine and is labeled as the most important music chart for Spanish language, full-length albums in the United States, American music market. ...

chart and No. 24 on the

Top Heatseekers The Heatseekers charts were "Breaking and Entering" music charts issued weekly by ''Billboard'' magazine. The Heatseekers Albums and the Heatseekers Songs charts were introduced by ''Billboard'' in 1991 with the purpose of highlighting the sales b ...

chart, respectively. In 2014, Voltio left reggaetón completely, having converted to Evangelical Christianity.

Discography

Albums

;Solo albums * 2004: '' Voltage AC'' * 2005: '' Voltage DC'' * 2007: '' En lo Claro'' ;Other albums * 2003: ''Los Dueños del Estilo''

Singles

* 2004: "Julito Maraña" (feat. Tego Calderón) * 2004: "Bumper" * 2004: "Lock Up" (Akon feat Voltio) * 2005: "Mambo" * 2005: "Bumper (Official Remix)" (feat. Pitbull & Lil Rob) * 2005: " Chulin Culin Chunfly" (feat. Residente Calle 13) * 2005: "Chulin Culin Chunfly (remix)" (feat. Residente Calle 13 &

) * 2005: "Se Van, Se Van" (feat. Tego Calderón) * 2005: "Matando La Liga" * 2005: "Culebra" * 2005: "Chévere" (feat. Notch) * 2006: "Claro de Luna" * 2006: "Let's Go To My Crib" (feat.

) * 2007: "Los Capo" (feat. Ñejo & Dalmata,

Guelo Star Miguel de Jesús (born September 19, 1981, Ponce, Puerto Rico), also known as Guelo Star, is a Puerto Rican reggaeton rapper, singer, lyricist, occasional producer and promoter. In his musical career, he has worked with artists such as Daddy Yan ...

Zion Zion (; ) is a placename in the Tanakh, often used as a synonym for Jerusalem as well as for the Land of Israel as a whole. The name is found in 2 Samuel (), one of the books of the Tanakh dated to approximately the mid-6th century BCE. It o ...

, De La Ghetto, Syko,

) * 2007: " El Mellao" * 2008: " Pónmela" (feat.

) * 2008: "Un Amor Como Tú" (feat.

Arcángel Austin Agustín Santos (born December 23, 1985), better known by his stage name Arcángel, is an American rapper and singer. He is often described as one of the most influential artists in the Latin urban genre, as well in Latin music overall, ...

) * 2009: "Esto Es A Palo" * 2009: "Dimelo Mami" * 2009: "Dimelo Mami (Remix)" (feat.

Daddy Yankee Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez (; born February 3, 1976), known professionally as Daddy Yankee (), is a Puerto Rican rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor who rose to worldwide prominence in 2004 with the song "Gasolina". Dubbed the "Honorific ...

) * 2009: "Tumba El Piquete" (feat.J-Alvarez) * 2012: "La Kiebra nuka remix" (feat.Mr. Pelón (503)) * 2014: "Siempre Estoy" (feat. Ñengo Flow)

Guest appearances

* 1993: "No Te Canses, El Funeral"

(feat. Voltio) * 1998: "Muévela" DJ Dicky (feat. Voltio) * 2003: "Mi Libertad" (feat. Jerry Rivera) * 2004: " 12 Discípulos" ( Eddie Dee feat.

, Tego Calderon,

Ivy Queen Martha Ivelisse Pesante Rodríguez (born March 4, 1972), known professionally as Ivy Queen, is a Puerto Rican rapper, singer and actress. She is considered one of the pioneers of the reggaeton genre, commonly referred to as the Queen of Reggae ...

, Vico C,

Nicky Jam Nick Rivera Caminero (born March 17, 1981), known professionally as Nicky Jam, is an American singer. He is best known for hits such as " X", " Travesuras", " El Perdón", " Hasta el Amanecer", and " El Amante"; the latter three are from his 20 ...

, Voltio, Gallego, Wiso G and Johhny Prez) * 2005: "En Este Infierno" K-Narias (feat. Voltio) * 2005: "Amor de Una Noche" (feat. N'Klabe) * 2005: "So Amazing" Jagged Edge (feat. Voltio) * 2006: "Lo Que Son Las Cosas (Reggaeton Version)" Anaís (feat. Voltio) * 2006: "En Mi Puertorro" Andy Montañez (feat. Voltio) * 2006: "Abusando Del Genero" DJ Joe (feat.

Yomo Jose Alberto Torres Abreu (born June 17, 1980 in Chicago), known professionally as Yomo, is an American reggaeton Reggaeton (, ) is a modern style of popular music, popular and electronic music that originated in Panamanian reggaetón, Pa ...

, Voltio, Trebol Clan,

, Tempo) * 2006: "Mil Caminos" Leonor (feat. Voltio) * 2006: "Payaso" Tego Calderón (feat. Voltio & Eddie Dee) * 2006: "Gansta" Baby Ranks (feat. Voltio) * 2006: "Llegaron Los Rebuleros" Maestro (feat. Voltio) * 2007: "Ella Volvió" (feat. N'Klabe) * 2007: "Dale Mami Damelo" DJ Nelson (feat. Voltio) * 2007: "Lo Hecho Hecho Esta" Tego Calderón (feat. Pirulo, Voltio, Ñejo, Chyno Nyno) * 2007: " Get Me Bodied"

Beyoncé Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter ( ; born September 4, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. With a career spanning over three decades, she has established herself as one of the most Cultural impact of Beyoncé, ...

(feat. Voltio) * 2007: "Si Me Matan" Alexis & Fido (feat. Lapiz Conciente, Luis Vargas, Voltio, De La Ghetto, Jadiel, Primer Mandatario & Sofla) * 2007: "Easy"

Don Omar William Omar Landrón Rivera (born February 10, 1979), known professionally as Don Omar, is a Puerto Rican rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor. He is also known as the " King of Reggaeton" by music critics and fans alike. The ...

(feat.

, Voltio, Eddie Dee, Tego Calderón & Cosculluela) * 2008: "Don't Stay Away from the Sunlight" Turbulence (feat. Voltio) * 2008: "Levántate" J-King & Maximan (feat. Voltio,

) * 2008: "Na De Na (Remix)"

Angel & Khriz An angel is a Spirit (supernatural entity), spiritual (without a physical body), heaven, heavenly, or supernatural being, usually humanoid with Bird wing, bird-like wings, often depicted as a messenger or intermediary between God (the Transce ...

(feat. John Eric, Gocho, Alexis, Voltio,

, & Franco "El Gorila") * 2008: "Ella Menea (Remix)" NG2 * 2010: " Hipnótika" A.B. Quintanilla Y Los Kumbia All Starz (feat. Voltio and Marciano Cantero from Los Enanitos Verdes) * 2012: " Ella Lo Que Quiere Es Salsa" (

Víctor Manuelle Víctor Manuel Ruiz Velázquez (born September 27, 1968), known professionally as Víctor Manuelle, is a Puerto Rican salsa singer, known to his fans as ''El Sonero de la Juventud'' ("The Singer Of Youths"). He is identified primarily with ' ...

(feat. Voltio and

)

Filmography

* 2008: ''Feel The Noise'' as himself * 2009: '' Talento de Barrio'' as himself * TBA: ''Julito Maraña''

Note

References

External links

*
Official MySpace
{{DEFAULTSORT:Voltio 1977 births Living people Converts to Christianity People from Santurce, Puerto Rico Puerto Rican Christians Puerto Rican reggaeton musicians Sony Music Latin artists 21st-century Puerto Rican rappers 20th-century American male rappers 20th-century Puerto Rican rappers